I got to see the new City in a Swamp outing, Some Make It Hot. The show is sort of a satirical musical eco-murder mystery. There are amusing musical attacks by lyricist/auteur Nick Zill and composer Howard Bennett aimed at the DC homicide department, dating in Washington, and personal methane production among many, many targets. The evening is imbued with City in a Swamp’s signature slapdash cheer.

The show features terrific performances by Jerry Browning, Rachael Goldman, Doug Smith, Michael Bruno and Mary Jane Bruno. Barbara Twigg holds things together with her music direction and the ever-Puckish Stan Ismart not only provides great work on drum, but interactive sound effects with the audience. And that amazing cabaret genius** Ron Squeri provides terrific lighting effects.

The show was the first time I’d been to the Sitar Arts Center, in the area of Adams Morgan where Kalorama runs between 18th & 16th Streets*. It’s amazing the urban makeover the area has undergone (including a new Harris Teeter). And the venue is an amazing 80-90 seat space with great sitelines and acoustics. A venue cabaret performers should certainly investigate!

“Primary” Season Is Here

City in a Swamp Productions gives the presidential primary season an unofficial kick-off with “Primary Urges,” its witty and smart send-up of the all-American election process.

Part “Damn Yankees,” part “Capitol Steps,” the show centers around a meek congressman (Doug Smith) turned presidential candidate and his sly, Mephistophelian political adviser (Michael Bruno). Along the way, we meet a
well-coiffed Hillary Clinton (Rachael Goldman), the candidate’s wary spouse (Marilyn Bennett), a Lola-like temptress (Goldman), two fresh-faced staffers (Mary Jean Bruno and Michael Miyazaki), and an ardent, very ardent, Obama fan (Miyazaki). Heck, the spirit of Luciano Pavarotti (Miyazaki) even gets in on the fun.

The original songs by Howard Bennett and Nicholas Zill are fresh and fun, the skillful choreography by Nkemjika Ofodile makes effective use of the small stage, and the live musical accompaniment at the back of the room makes for an especially dynamic theater experience. Special kudos to percussionist Stan Ismart, whose hilarious sound-effects are courtesy of an amazing gizmo he invented himself.

“Primary Urges” is playing at the Warehouse Theater until November 10. Tickets: $25. For info, visit www.cityinaswamp.com/Home/home.htm or call the Warehouse at 202-783-3933.